Effect of hydrogen treatment on the performance of Cr-ZSM-5 in deep oxidative decomposition of ethyl acetate and benzene in air

The effect of hydrogen reduction on the activity of chromium exchanged ZSM-5 (Cr-ZSM-5) in the decomposition of ethyl acetate and benzene is reported. Reduction was performed at 400 degreesC for 1 h while activity study was done using a reactor operated between 100 and 500 degreesC and at GHSV of 32,000 h(-1). Reduction caused the migration of chromium to subsequently form chromia nanoparticles during VOC decomposition process leading to lower conversions. In line with the Mars-van Krevelen model, yield of carbon dioxide increased after reduction. Less coking tendency of reduced Cr-ZSM-5 was ascribed to lower conversion and higher yield of carbon dioxide. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.